Business & Human Rights Resource Centrehttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/_rss?in_depth_area_nid=87368
enTanzania: NGO urges Barrick Gold to address alleged human rights issues at subsidiary's mine ahead of proposed merger with Randgold, company responds https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/tanzania-ngo-urges-barrick-gold-to-address-alleged-human-rights-issues-at-subsidiarys-mine-ahead-of-proposed-merger-with-randgold-company-responds
Rights and Accountability in Development has written to top executives at Barrick Gold and Randgold Resources ahead of the merger between the two companies, warning them about human rights abuses at Acacia Mining’s North Mara Gold Mine in Tanzania. Acacia Mining is a subsidiary of Barrick Gold. The letter describing an alleged pattern of human rights abuses by security personnel and Tanzanian police operating jointly at Acacia’s North Mara. Business and Human Rights Resource Centre invited Acacia Mining to respond. Acacia Mining denied the allegations and said its North Mara’s grievance process meets the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Fri, 09 Nov 2018 08:27:53 +0000kibugu179106 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgTanzania: Baseline study on business & human rights claims Shanta Gold failed to consult & compensate communities impacted by its operations; company responds https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/tanzania-baseline-study-on-business-human-rights-claims-shanta-gold-failed-to-consult-compensate-communities-impacted-by-its-operations-company-denies-allegations
A National Baseline Assessment on Business and Human Rights in Tanzania alleges that Shanta Gold failed to consult and compensate communities impacted by its operations. It further alleges that Kapunga Rice engaged child labour in its operations. The Business &amp; Human Rights Resource Centre invited Shanta Gold to respond to the allegations. The full response is provided. Kapunga Rice could not be reached.
Tue, 23 Jan 2018 21:44:31 +0000kibugu167461 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgTanzania releases its national baseliness assessment on business & human rights, a critical step towards developing a NAPhttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/tanzania-releases-its-national-baseliness-assessment-on-business-human-rights-a-critical-step-towards-developing-a-nap
“National Baseline Assessment of Current Implementation of Business and Human Rights Frameworks in the United Republic of Tanzania”
The Human Rights Action Plan (2013-2017) of the Tanzanian Government tasked the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) with developing a National Baseline Study on Business and Human Rights (NBA) and to support the development of a National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights.
This NBA is the response to this request, providing a comprehensive account of the status of protection of human rights with regard to business activities in Tanzania. The Baseline examines the steps that the Government has taken to implement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs or Guiding Principles) – in particular Pillar I: the State duty to protect, and Pillar III: access to remedy. The Baseline outlines the strengths and weaknesses in the Government’s approach to business and human rights and makes recommendations to address any gaps identified…The framework of the Baseline is based on the National Action Plans Toolkit, which was jointly developed by DIHR and the International Corporate Accountability Roundtable (ICAR).
Wed, 15 Nov 2017 04:00:40 +0000kibugu165033 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgE. Africa: Human Rights Impact Assessment highlights importance of country-specific due diligence to protect human rights of coffee sector workershttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/human-rights-impact-assessment-a-report-about-the-east-african-coffee-sector-in-kenya-uganda-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-rwanda-ethiopia-and-burundi
"Human Rights Impact Assessment: A report about the East African coffee sector in: Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Burundi"
The Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) was commissioned by Coop Danmark (Coop) to conduct a human rights impact assessment (HRIA) of the coffee supply chain for its Kenya-based subsidiary African Coffee Roasters (ACR) and prepare an HRIA report…The HRIA focused on the coffee supply chain in four sourcing countries: Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and, to a lesser extent, Rwanda. The purpose of this HRIA is to provide a foundation for the development of an appropriate human rights due diligence process for Coop’s and ACR’s operations in these sourcing countries that is in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and Coop’s and ACR’s responsibility to respect human rights.
The research findings reveal that the enjoyment of human rights of coffee farmers depends strongly on the political and economic context of the respective country, including the approach states take in fulfilling their duty to protect human rights. The coffee sectors are strongly influenced by the specific regulatory, political and social context in their respective countries. This is the case for the enjoyment of specific rights impacted by activities linked to coffee growing and production (such as the right to an adequate standard of living, right to water, etc.)…
[The report recommends that] Coop/ACR…develop a country -specific approach that responds to the specific conditions in the country in mind – what works in one country will not necessarily work in another country. The human rights due diligence process should be guided by a Coop/ACR policy and CSR and human rights strategies. While bearing in mind the guidance of the UNGPs, the particular actions that are needed should be responsive to the particular situations in each country and, if necessary, each cooperative.
Mon, 30 Oct 2017 05:12:59 +0000kibugu164439 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgKenya publishes baseline assessment on business & human rights as a precursor to National Action Planhttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/kenya-publishes-baseliness-assessment-on-business-human-rights-as-a-precursor-to-national-action-plan
"Kenya National Baseline Assessment on Business &amp; Human Rights 2017
…[D]uring the 2015 UN Universal Periodic Review, Kenya accepted a recommendation to develop a NAP for the implementation of the UNGPs. This Baseline Report has been prepared to support the development of NAP. The baseline seeks to assess some of the country’s key laws and regulations that guide the conduct of business in order to identify the extent to which they speak to human rights, their enforcement, gaps and recommendations. It is as a result of desk review of the extent to which the government of Kenya has implemented its obligations in promoting the respect of human rights, protecting against human rights violations by business enterprises through policies, laws and regulations and their enforcement as well as provision of appropriate and effective remedies for breach.
This report will be complemented by country-wide stakeholder consultations with businesses, communities and civil society organizations and government that seek to identify the most common areas of tension between business and human rights, how they manifest and recommend solutions that address them. The report is divided into two sections. The first section, introduction, presents a brief summary of the journey towards NAPs including where we are globally; the methodology used in preparing this baseline; and the country context. The second section comprises key findings and recommendations of state obligations under pillars 1 and 3 and assesses the extent to which the government in its policy -making and legislative action, enforcement and provision of judicial and non - judicial remedies adheres to the UNGPs. The report is not exhaustive in its analysis of the current status of implementation, and focuses on the issues of land and natural resources; labour, environment, revenue transparency and; accountability and access to remedy. The choice of the five issues was based on a non -scientific survey of the most common areas of impact by business operations that affect the enjoyment of human rights.
Tue, 12 Sep 2017 05:23:14 +0000kibugu162540 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgWorkshops equiping African lawyers on responsible business practices, incl. UN Guiding Principleshttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/workshops-equiping-african-lawyers-on-responsible-business-practices-including-un-guiding-principles
"Supporting African advisers on responsible business: A&amp;O and A4ID partner with the East Africa Law Society to deliver workshops for African lawyers on business and human rights"
Alongside rapid economic growth and thriving investment in East Africa, there is increasing demand for responsible business practices and corporate accountability when things go wrong. To help legal advisers navigate human rights risks and opportunities for business, Allen &amp; Overy (A&amp;O), and an award-winning development law charity, Advocates for International Development (A4ID), have teamed up with the East Africa Law Society (EALS) to provide free workshops on business and human rights for lawyers in Uganda and Tanzania.
The peer-to-peer workshops...will continue dialogue with East African lawyers about the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, a globally agreed standard on managing human rights impacts linked to business activity...The workshops will draw on practical examples, including from the extractive and manufacturing industries, which are particularly relevant for African lawyers advising business...
Together with A4ID, the workshops combine the expertise of A&amp;O’s Africa Group and Human Rights Working Group, drawing on over 250 lawyers throughout the firm’s network of 44 offices. Over the past 25 years, the A&amp;O Africa Group, together with selected local counsel, has advised clients on numerous large scale international transactions across the continent, providing an integrated service for clients doing business in Africa. Further workshops are planned for lawyers in Burundi, Kenya and Zanzibar later in the year.
Tue, 15 Aug 2017 06:17:26 +0000kibugu161226 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgTanzania: Report says local communities "consistently" reporting dissatisfaction with compensation to pave way for extractive companieshttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/tanzania-report-says-local-communities-consistently-reporting-dissatisfaction-with-compensation-to-pave-way-for-extractive-companies
The Institute for Human Rights and Business recently released a report on the human rights impacts of the extractive sector in Tanzania. The report identified local communities' consistent reports of dissatisfaction in the amount of compensation received to pave way for companies and the threat that displacement poses the their livelihoods.
Sat, 03 Dec 2016 08:56:47 +0000kibugu148133 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgKenya: Institute for Human Rights & Business report says communities hosting extractive operations not adequately consultedhttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/kenya-institute-for-human-rights-business-report-says-communities-hosting-extractive-operations-inadequately-consulted
The Institute for Human Rights and Business has released a report on the state of human rights in Kenya's extractive sector. The report identifies inadequate consultation of communities hosting extractive operations and loss of livelihoods as the key human rights concerns. It calls on companies to ensure they meet the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in their operations, including carrying out meaningful due diligence.
Sat, 03 Dec 2016 08:30:32 +0000kibugu148130 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgReport on the human rights and environmental issues in Tanzania's growing extractive sectorhttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/report-on-the-human-rights-and-environmental-issues-in-tanzanias-growing-extractive-sector
“Human Rights in Tanzania’s Extractive Sector: Exploring the Terrain”
This Report…assess[es] the existing human rights and environmental impacts attributed to Tanzania’s increasing extractive sector activities…
While the Report highlights a range of impacts, the increasing pace of granting mining and oil and gas concessions in areas occupied by communities has predictably made the adverse impacts on land rights the most prevalent complaint arising from formal and informal extractives activities in Tanzania. This is not only because resource extraction must take place beneath the land that communities rely on for livelihoods, but also because land and extractive laws subordinate community rights to resource exploration and extraction. Community members consistently reported dissatisfaction with compensation for land acquisition, the lack of security of land tenure, and the multiple impacts of resettlement.
Sat, 03 Dec 2016 09:03:25 +0000kibugu148134 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgUganda Consortium on Corporate Accountability says Seyani Brothers' CSR initiatives should not "expunge their corporate accountability responsibilities"https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/uganda-consortium-on-corporate-accountability-says-seyani-brothers-csr-initiatives-should-not-expunge-their-corporate-accountability-responsibilities
"Re: Seyani Brothers &amp; Co. (U) Ltd Response on Certain Issues in the Uganda Consortium on Corporate Accountability Report on "The State of Corporate Acccountability in Uganda"
"...[We] reiterate that corporate social responsibility is important but it cannot be used as a tradeoff against corporate accountability. Article 20 (2) of the 1995 Uganda Constitution enjoins the state to ensure that non-state actors respect human rights...[We] do appreciate and encourage any CSR principles by corporations to better the lives of the communities in which they operate. However, this should never be an undertaking to expunge their corporate accountablity responsibilites.
Tue, 22 Nov 2016 06:14:31 +0000kibugu147528 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgUganda: Opposition leader calls for a human rights-based approach to large-scale land acquisition for investment to safeguard locals interestshttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/uganda-opposition-leader-calls-for-a-human-rights-based-process-to-screen-investors-to-safeguard-locals-impacted-by-large-scale-land-acquisition-for-investment
"Reject State-organised land grabbing through amending the Constitution"
A significant portion of my 2016 presidential campaign underscored the need for immediate actions to...large-scale land acquisitions, mainly, by foreign agribusiness investors, or the extraction industry—that are often preceded by grabbing of the land by government...Land grabbing and the attendant displacement of large numbers of people, often using very brutal means, is developing into a serious national security problem...
...Acholiland is recovering from decades of war. It is estimated that the northern region would need to attain economic growth rates of 11 per cent per year for 25 years (2040) to achieve parity with the rest of the country. In order to meaningfully address poverty in this part of the country, investors must be attracted and investments must be made in commercialising agriculture. However, the critical first step is to block any changes to the Constitution that will make it easier for the state to grab land. Any such changes will only serve to make already impoverished people more vulnerable and may lead to a class of people that are completely landless...
This is why I have consistently called for...[a] moratorium on State-based land grabbing in northern Uganda and across the country...[and the establishment of a] human rights based process to screen investors and prioritise those who promote transparency in process, and reject investment in projects —unless; a) the proposed projects can demonstrate free and prior informed consent by the family, community or clan impacted by the proposed development; b) the aforesaid companies must demonstrate through their business practice / philanthropic frameworks a commitment to the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights; the same due diligence would also be expected of their supply chains.
This is why I have consistently called for the following:1. Citizens of Uganda, regardless of political party, tribe or religion must reject outright the proposed amendment to Article 26 of the 1995 Constitution. 2. Moratorium on State-based land grabbing in northern Uganda and across the country:
Fri, 11 Nov 2016 07:55:50 +0000kibugu147021 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgNGOs urge Uganda govt. to implement UN Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rightshttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/ngos-urge-uganda-to-operationalise-un-guiding-principles-on-business-human-rights
"Uganda UPR Factsheet: Business &amp; Human Rights"
On November 03, 2016...Uganda's human rights record will be reviewed during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)...During the last UPR session in 2011, Uganda did not receive a specific recommendation on business and human rights, but it did receive and accept a recommendation to develop a national action plan on human rights. With the private sector playing an increasingly prominent role in the country’s development, it is crucial that Uganda adopt the laws, policies and action plans needed to effectively operationalize the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.[refers to Newmann Kaffee, McAlester Energy Resources &amp; Guangzhou Dongsong Energy]
Fri, 04 Nov 2016 10:47:28 +0000kibugu146693 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgUganda: Report on corporate accountability calls for business operations that is "consistent and promotes human rights"; includes companies commentshttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/uganda-report-on-corporate-accountabilty-calls-for-business-operations-that-is-consistent-and-promotses-human-rights-includes-companies-comments
The Uganda Consortium on Corporate Accountability recently released a report on "The State of Corporate Accountability in Uganda". The report documents the human rights impacts of business operations on communities in the oil exploration and mining sectors. It advocates for business that "is consistent with and promotes human rights". [Refers to CNOOC, Total, Tororo Cement, Jan Mangal, Mechanised Agro, Seyani Brothers, DAO Africa &amp; Tong Da China]. The Business and Human Rights Resource Centre sought a response from Seyani Brothers. The response is provided. We are also seeking responses from other companies that are adversely mentioned. We will publish the response(s) once we receive them.
Wed, 26 Oct 2016 08:43:10 +0000kibugu146192 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgMalawi: Human Rights Watch report says communities in mining areas "face serious problems with water, food and housing"; companies commenthttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/malawi-human-rights-watch-report-says-communities-in-mining-areas-face-serious-problems-with-water-food-and-housing-companies-comments
A recent report by Human Rights Watch says mining in Malawi has put local residents at health risks and led to their loss of livelihoods. It says families "living near coal and uranium mining operations face serious problems with water, food, and housing, and are left in the dark about health and other risks from mining". Paladin Energy stated that it maintains the required health and safety programs. Malcoal responded that they "strive to help government reduce rural poverty". Eland Mining said they had suspended operations in Malawi. Business and Human Rights Resource Centre invited Eland Mining to make additional comments to the specific allegations made in the report. We shall add the response to this report if Eland Mining sends it.
Tue, 04 Oct 2016 04:26:37 +0000kibugu142872 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgKenya Human Rights Commission & Danish Institute for Human Rights publish Human Rights & Business Country Guidehttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/kenya-human-rights-commission-danish-institute-for-human-rights-publish-kenya-business-human-rights-country-guide
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) have developed a preliminary web-based country guide that aims to be a resource for businesses, Civil Society Organisations, Governments, multilateral institutions and all other relevant local and international actors, to enable these actors ensure that business fosters sustainable development in line with international human rights standards. [Refers to Fly540, British Airways, Karuturi, Telekom Kenya, SDV Transami, James Finlay Tea, Prosoya, Kenya Pipeline, Athi River Mining, Runda Water, Kengen &amp; KK Security)
Thu, 22 Sep 2016 12:25:15 +0000kibugu142370 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgUganda Consortium on Corporate Accountability says businesses yet to embrace a human rights culturehttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/uganda-consortium-on-corporate-accountability-says
"Arnold Kwesiga on Corporate Accountability in Uganda"
Arnold Kwesiga is the Coordinator of the Uganda Consortium on Corporate Accountability (UCCA). Recently in Kampala, IHRB's Salil Tripathi of IHRB met Arnold to discuss the state of corporate accountability in Uganda. Arnold spoke of the need for Uganda to prepare a proper national action plan, and for ways to engage local companies to embrace the UN Guiding Principles. A bigger challenge is tackling Uganda's informal sector in which 85% of Ugandans work, and who remain beyond the reach of big companies, foreign or local.
Thu, 15 Sep 2016 05:20:18 +0000kibugu142108 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgMalawi: Activist calls for development projects that ensure respect for locals' rights, including adequate consultationhttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/malawi-activist-calls-for-development-projects-that-ensures-respects-for-locals-rights-including-adequate-consultations
“Get a social license do not bulldoze development, demands activist Mfiti”
In recent media reports from Malawi it has emerged that a senior cabinet minister George Chaponda was chased from a development meeting by angry community members…The project aims at tapping water from Mulanje Mountain through Likhubula River by Blantyre Water Board to residents of Blantyre City. The water shortage problem in Blantyre city has become acute that residents often go without portable clean and safe drinking water for days. This prompted the water Board to hatch this plan of drawing water from the Likhubula River. The River is located in Mulanje District a few kilometres outside Blantyre city.
Ironically the project has not been welcomed by residents of Mulanje district near the Likhubula River who have raised most important human rights concerns. The community members have said the project will not continue unless the government of Malawi helps them in re-afforestation initiatives along the Likhubula River banks. The communities further allege that they also be supplied with clean and safe drinking water…In Malawi projects are often bulldozed through the back door.
The views and concerns of the community are not taken into consideration and consultations are limited to rubber stamping development projects regardless of impacts…The Blantyre Water Board was supposed to do a human rights due diligence in this project to realise their human rights impacts. This is a harsh lesson to government of Malawi.
Get a social license do not bulldoze development , demands activist Mfiti - See more at: http://www.nyasatimes.com/get-social-license-not-bulldoze-development-de...
Mon, 05 Sep 2016 13:48:01 +0000kibugu141754 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgUganda Human Rights Commission & Danish Institute for Human Rights develop Uganda Business & Human Rights Country Guidehttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/uganda-human-rights-commission-danish-insitute-for-human-rights-develop-uganda-business-human-rights-country-guide
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) and the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) have developed a preliminary web-based country guide that aims to be a resource for businesses, Civil Society Organisations, Governments, multilateral institutions and all other relevant local and international actors, to enable these actors ensure that business fosters sustainable development in line with international human rights standards. [refers to Tullow Oil, Cipla Quality Chemicals Industries Limited, Madhvani, New Forests, Total &amp; CNOOC]
Sunrise Beach Resort Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2000204900/hotels-that-discriminate-over-race-are-a-disgrace
Fri, 17 Jun 2016 05:38:15 +0000kibugu138223 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgKenya: Institute for Human Rights & Business' briefing note on good practices in developing National Action Plan on Business & Human Rightshttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/kenya-institute-for-human-rights-business-briefing-note-on-good-practices-in-developing-national-action-plan-on-business-human-rights
The Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) has been appointed to the national Steering Committee for the National Action Plan on Business &amp; Human Rights process and has been requested to provide expert advice. This briefing note constitutes IHRB's first input on good practices and has been submitted to the Kenyan Attorney General. The briefing note calls for building trust from the onset and throughout the process. It also encourages the promotion of meaningful stakeholder engagement.
Mon, 18 Apr 2016 10:11:04 +0000kibugu135345 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgKenya: Report urges companies in extractive sector to conduct human rights due diligence in their operations & business relationshipshttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/kenya-report-urges-companies-in-extractive-sector-to-conduct-human-rights-due-diligence-in-their-operations-business-relationships
The Institute for Human Rights &amp; Business and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights have conducted a study on the state of human rights in the extractive sector. Among their recommendations is that companies should conduct human rights due diligence across their proposed operations and their business relationship to mitigate negative human rights impacts.
Mon, 11 Apr 2016 05:38:10 +0000kibugu135041 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgKenya commits to develop a National Action Plan on business & human rightshttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/kenya-commits-to-develop-a-national-action-plan-on-business-human-rights
Kenya has committed to developing a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, a comprehensive strategy for protecting against human rights abuses by companies. It is one of the first governments in Sub-Saharan Africa to do so. As part of the NAP process, Kenya has commissioned a National Baseline Assessment and a survey of existing business-related human rights abuses. These will be carried out by the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Danish Institute for Human Rights, respectively, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights playing a key supporting role.
Tue, 01 Mar 2016 14:03:24 +0000kibugu133639 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgKenya: Report on renewable energy projects' impacts on indigenous communities; Lake Turkana Wind Power respondshttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/kenya-report-on-renewable-energy-projects-impacts-on-indigenous-communities-lake-turkana-wind-power-responds
A recent report by the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs the adverse impacts of renewable energy projects in Kenya on indigenous communities, including loss of livelihood and exacerbating social conflicts. It also proposes solutions corporations should take so that "unforeseen social conflicts and risk of failure are avoided".
Tue, 01 Mar 2016 15:13:42 +0000kibugu133644 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgMalawi: Danish Institute for Human Rights & Citizens for Justice launch "Human Rights and Business Country Guide"https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/malawi-danish-institute-for-human-rights-citizens-for-justice-launch-human-rights-and-business-country-guide
The Danish Institute for Human Rights in collaboration with Citizens for Justice have published Malawi's Human Rights &amp; Business Country Guide. It contains information regarding potential and actual human rights impacts of businesses operating in Malawi. [refers to Raiply Malawi, Britannia Mining, Mkango Resources, Telecom Networks, Illovo Sugar, British American Tobacco, Philip Morris International, Paladin Energy, Vale, Surestream Petroleum, Eastern Produce Tea Estate, Presscane, Carlsberg, Lujeri Tea Estate, Mbadzi Tobacco &amp; Satemwa Tea Estate]
Fri, 18 Sep 2015 07:47:28 +0000kibugu127900 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgAfrican Commission on Human & Peoples Rights' draft General Comment proposes corporate accountability for deprivation of right to lifehttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/african-commission-on-human-peoples-rights-draft-general-comment-proposes-corporate-accountability-for-deprivation-of-right-to-life
"Corporate Accountability in Draft General Comment on Right to Life by African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights"
In June 2015 the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights adopted a draft General Comment on Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Right to Life). Paragraph 10 of the document states that
Non-State entities such as private individuals and corporations, including private military and security companies, that are responsible for arbitrary deprivation of life should also be held accountable...
...[If] the African Commission was to include paragraph 10 of the draft General Comment in the final version, it would be the first time, as far as I am aware, that a treaty body mentions the direct responsibility of corporations operating an entirely private business without performing state-like activities. This would be an important development and would further strengthen the corporate responsibility to respect human rights, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The draft document is open for public consultations (more information here) and the deadline to send contributions is 1 September 2015.
Mon, 24 Aug 2015 09:13:58 +0000kibugu126953 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgNestlé CEO Paul Bulcke delivers keynote statement at UN Forum on Business and Human Rightshttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/nestl%C3%A9-ceo-paul-bulcke-delivers-keynote-statement-at-un-forum-on-business-and-human-rights
"United Nations Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights: Paul Bulcke's Keynote Statement", 2 Dec 2014
...As companies, we need to fully recognise that our position in society comes with both opportunities, but also responsibilities...that start first and foremost with conducting our business the right way, in compliance with national laws, international standards and in full compliance with fundamental values and principles...The UN Framework and Guiding Principles has conditioned companies to be more explicit, and include human rights much more pro-actively in their policies and the way they conduct their business...It is in the actions, on the ground, where respect for human rights is visible...So, how can a company like ours, with over 460 factories, a presence in almost every country in the world...ensure that it lives up to it in everything it does, everywhere? We have formally incorporated our human rights commitment into our Corporate Business Principles and into our Management Principles. These are the guiding principles we expect each and every Nestlé employee to live by, every day, wherever they are in the world. And these are not negotiable...[A]t Nestlé, we fundamentally believe that for a company to be successful over time, it has to connect positively with society in all aspects of its activities...One thing has become evident over time: having the right policies, procedures and management systems...is not enough. It is the implementation...which creates the trust necessary to be successful over time, as a company and as a society...
Wed, 03 Dec 2014 12:01:20 +0000lerch107816 at https://www.business-humanrights.orgAfrica Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights - 16-18 Sep, Addis Ababahttps://www.business-humanrights.org/en/africa-regional-forum-on-business-and-human-rights-16-18-sep-addis-ababa
The UN Working Group on business &amp; human rights convened an "African Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights", 16-18 September 2014 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Click here for "Practical information".
Business &amp; Human Rights Resource Centre received several NGO commentaries about the Forum and its goals, to date only in French - click here.
Wed, 02 Jul 2014 14:17:18 +0000regaignon103500 at https://www.business-humanrights.org